I went to the UK holiday park that has sea views, three bars and nearby retro funfair

AS the sun beamed down on to the balcony of our plush caravan, my son worried about a lion he spotted in the distance.

We were enjoying the delights of Scotland’s east coast, so it didn’t seem entirely possible a big cat was on the loose.

The beast was in fact a very life-like statue – sitting in the grounds of the Seaton Estate holiday park in Arbroath, Angus.

But there was nothing fake about the luxury living, or the hospitality, at this popular holiday park.

Set in 80 acres of woodland with panoramic sea views, it features a mix of holiday homes and lodges.

I made the trip to the five-star resort with my wife Lyndsay and our son Joel, four.

Our Manor holiday home was on a lawned plot, with views from the building’s balcony of grand Seaton House.

When the sun was shining we could easily have been in a luxury villa abroad.

Across three bedrooms there was more than enough space for a family double the size of ours.

Off the main bedroom was an ensuite bathroom and there was a larger shower room.

The open-plan kitchen, and dining and living room, were huge and we had everything we needed for our two-night stay, including a big American-style fridge, dishwasher and wall-mounted flatscreen TV above a fireplace.

At night, we headed out to the newly renovated Seaton House.

A lot of effort has gone into the building, which now boasts three bars.

Every weekend there is entertainment, including karaoke, bingo and live shows.

We got treated to a singer on our Saturday night and the atmosphere was fantastic.

A cosy Irish bar has a pool table, while there’s also an upstairs ballroom.

Food is served in the Kilt and Tartan restaurant, where we found the fish delicious.

The friendly chef revealed it’s landed in the nearby harbour by a relative, who then drives it to the Seaton Estate.

It’s hard to get it any fresher and this was obvious with the first bite.

The sprawling estate also boasts a wooden playpark – next to the previously mentioned lion, also a big hit.

And there is basketball and swingball for sportier types.

Peaceful strolls can be had on nearby Auchmithie Walk, with views of the sea and Seaton Cliffs.

The Seaton Estate resort and surrounding area are so tranquil it’s hard to believe a bustling town is just a five-minute drive away.

Arbroath is also famed for its delicious smokies – wood-smoked haddock – which can be picked up at the harbour.

But we headed to the beach and a brilliant play park.

My son loved the plastic cliffs, much safer than real ones.

There was also a welcome coffee hut for Mum and Dad.

And on days when the weather isn’t so good there’s Chalmers Filmhouse cinema, showing all the latest releases.

Next stop was the Pleasure-land funfair.

It had a great retro vibe and old Waltzers sit alongside modern UFO jets.

An unlimited-pass wristband costs £12, giving Joel access to trampolines, an inflatable slide and soft play.

After a fantastic break at Seaton Estate, our time was then up.

As we checked out, a member of staff told us: “You better come back.”

I’d be letting them down if we stayed away.